Resume Writing

Create Your Resume

A resume describes where you have been, what you have done, and what your goals are, and is the quickest way for a potential employer to get a picture of your qualifications. Building a resume allows you to select only your strongest qualifications, skills and job history.

What should you include?

  • Include your past experiences that are related to the job you are applying for
  • List your strongest skills and the information most important to the specific job first
  • Include search terms relevant to the company or job posting

Types of resumes

  • Chronological
    • Works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history
  • Functional
    • Often used by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history
  • Combination
    • Allows you to highlight the relevant skills you have and also provide the chronological work history employers prefer
  • Targeted
    • Customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for

Something to think about...

Resume

A resume is a snapshot of your job history, other work experience and skills. Tailor it to the job requirements for each position you apply for. Choose your strongest qualifications and attributes to showcase your talents and what you bring to the job.

MAKE YOUR RESUME STAND OUT. IT'S OFTEN THE FIRST IMPRESSION EMPLOYERS HAVE OF YOU.

Take time to consider the following:

  • What did I do well during my last job?
  • What did I enjoy doing at my last job?
  • Have I received any training specific to the job I am seeking to attain?
  • What do I believe is the best skill I can bring to a company?
  • What do I want out of my next job?

Consider the skills you can bring to an employer

  • Job Content Skills
  • Directly related to a specific job
  • Transferable Skills
  • Skills that can be used across a variety of positions
  • Many skills you use at home can be translated into a job duty
  • Soft Skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time-management, etc.)
  • Skills that are reflective of your personal qualities and characteristics

Additional Components

  • Career History
  • Educational History
  • Special Skills
  • Community Involvement/Volunteerism

Resume “Must-Have” List 

  • Clean and Error Free
  • Formatted Consistently
  • Concise and Easy to Read
  • Correct Grammar

Make Your Resume Stand Out 

  • Include a cover letter
  • Include soft-skills and how you are “ready to work”
  • Emphasize action verbs
  • Include specific language from the job description and match your experience to those job needs
  • Review other resumes / Compare your resume